Purim

There are 4 primary commandments that are fulfilled on Purim. These all start with the letter M in Hebrew, so they are easy to recall: Megillat Esther, Mishloach Manot, Matanot L’Evyonim, Mishteh.

• Megillat Esther (Reading the scroll of Esther) – The Megilla is read both during the initial Maariv, evening service in the synagogue, and the next morning during the Shacharis service. Written on parchment, similar to a Torah Scroll, the Megilla is read out loud to the whole congregation by a person experienced in both the precise tune and also the technical Hebrew words written in the Megilla. It is customary to make noise using available devices whenever the name of Haman (the wicked character in the story), is mentioned during the reading. The noisemaking serves as a way to blot out the evil of Haman, and the nation Amalek that he was a part of.
• Mishloach Manot (Delivery of Packages) – Packages containing ready-made food are given as gifts between close friends and family. This is both to increase friendship and also to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim meal. The basic obligation is to send 1 gift, containing 2 food items, to one other person. Though it is common for multiple Mishloach Manot to be gifted, in addition to containing elaborate designs or food items.
• Matanot L’Evyonim (Charity to the Poor) – There is a Mitzvah to give two charitable donations, to two separate poor people. These are given on the day of Purim. Throughout Purim people are usually more generous and donate more charity than they otherwise would during the year. This is in line with the Talmudic dictum, “Anyone who stretches out their hand, give to him.”
• Mishteh (The Purim Meal) – This is a festive meal, similar to the meals held on Shabbos and the festivals. There is a festive atmosphere and it is customary to consume alcohol in moderation.
• Fast of Esther – On the day before Purim, the 13th of Adar, a minor fast day is observed. According to some, this fast, called the Fast of Esther, recalls the fast that Esther declared before she confronted King Ahaseurus. Others say that is a commemoration of the fast observed by the Jews as they fought for their lives on the 13th of Adar.